A large group of African students have begun master's studies at Shaoxing University, Zhejiang province, according to local media.

It is the first time for this institution of higher education in Shaoxing to enroll so many students from African countries at a time.

Most of the students chose to study in the School of Economics and Management and School of Civil Engineering.

"There is a growing demand in talent for infrastructure construction and China has gained worldwide reputation in this field, that's why a great number of African students, including many female students, come to China to study civil engineering," said Yang Kui, deputy director of the international students office of the university.

"I chose Shaoxing for its quiet and peaceful environment," said a 23-year-old Cameroonian female student. She said she will delve into Chinese language and culture in the following two and a half years in Shaoxing and find a job as a translator in her country.

The international program offered by Shaoxing University was set up in January. Since its inception, a lot of students from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative have benefitted from the program.

Current data indicate that 169 students from 26 countries will enroll to study at Shaoxing University for master's degrees this year.